And when it comes to the "perks", I was once an Hertz renter, then got a job with Avis, and I must say it really isn't much different, at least in the locations that I have been in. The biggest difference that I have seen is this.


Hertz, they get everything ready for you. Usually if you ask for something, they aren't as ready to give it to you, but most of what you need is already taken care of.

Avis, the people are more accomodating when you ASK, but some of the "automatic" things aren't done for you. At my location, hertz pops your trunk and hands you the key at the car. Avis doesnt pop your trunk for you and the keys are at a central key location. If I asked for directions, hertz would give me directions. If I asked for directions at avis, they took better care in making sure I knew how to get there. So at the location where I work (which shall remain nameless), The difference between hertz and avis is that at avis, you sacrifice the trunk pop and drop off at your car for better directions and friendlier attitudes.

All in all, Throwing aside my avis bias, I would have to say as a business traveler, I was more content with Hertz, simply because I could turn my mind off and just "do it." Esp if I knew where I was going.

When I wasn't in a rush, or I had specific needs of my vehicle (no smoking, GPS, Better directions to my hotel/destination and need a friendly voice) Avis was better at it. One time I was late for a flight, Avis sent a manager to drive me up to my gate in my car after I checked in (this was in california) so I didnt have to wait for the shuttle bus. hertz just pointed to the bus (at the same airport mind you.) on a different occasion.

All in all, its still a car. Its still clean. And the checkout is infinitely faster for both if you are in the gold/preferred so it really is a wash. Then it comes down to personal preference.